A study examined the relationship between the degree of a principal's instructional leadership and student achievement. Methodology involved regression analysis of the Basic Skills Assessment Program (BSAP) scores of over 7,400 eighth-graders in 104 schools in Mississippi. Questionnaires were also mailed to 104 principals, yielding a response rate of 69 percent. Findings indicated that the degree to which the principal demonstrated instructional leadership had no effect on student achievement scores. However, the findings do not contradict effective schools research because the principal's rating was based on the amount of time spent on duties directly related to instructional leadership. A principal's knowledge of what is going on in the classroom and an understanding of instruction are also important elements of instructional leadership. The principal questionnaire is included in the appendix. (14 references) (LMI)